Baseball Takes Root in Southern France: New Club Brings America’s Pastime to Pierrevert
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A new sporting passion is sweeping through the village of Pierrevert, France, as the “Green Rocks Pierrevert” baseball club opens its doors to players of all ages and backgrounds. For weeks, Sunday morning walkers near the Pierrevert stadium have noticed a distinct change in the soundscape – the familiar bounce of a ball replaced by the sharp “clack” of bat meeting ball.
A Growing Interest in the Sport of Kings
The arrival of baseball in Pierrevert isn’t a replacement for existing sports, but rather a complementary addition. A club already thrives in nearby Manosque, and the Green Rocks aim to provide another accessible training opportunity for local residents. According to the club’s management team, the spirit is one of cooperation: “We play together, we train together.”
The sport itself is proving to be surprisingly captivating. One local coach, known as Thilou, has quickly ignited enthusiasm for baseball, emphasizing that it’s far more than just brute strength. “In baseball, you play with your legs as much as you play with your head,” he explained, highlighting the strategic depth of the game. He further elaborated, “We play with the legs, the arms and the brain,” often simultaneously and in the correct sequence. Players are discovering that while the rules may initially seem complex, the rhythm of the game quickly becomes engaging.
A Sport for Everyone
The Green Rocks Pierrevert welcomes players aged eight to seventy-seven, making it a truly inclusive sporting environment. It’s a mixed sport, meaning both men and women can participate, and crucially, it’s a non-contact sport, minimizing the risk of injury. Beyond the physical benefits – developing power, dexterity, and running endurance – baseball also cultivates tactics and decision-making skills.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, softball offers a friendly alternative. As one player put it, it’s a chance to have fun without the pressure of emulating professional players.
A Multicultural Hub
The burgeoning baseball scene in Pierrevert is also a reflection of the region’s growing multiculturalism, influenced in part by the presence of the ITER project. Enthusiasts from Japan, Korea, the United States, and across Europe are uniting through their shared love of the game. The club emphasizes a low-pressure environment where everyone can play at their own level.
“Once you have tasted the pleasure of baseball, you never forget,” stated Denis Barkat, the club’s president, drawing a playful comparison to Proust’s madeleines, but with a more energetic twist.
So, if you hear a “clack” followed by a cheer on a Sunday morning, don’t be alarmed. It’s likely just a Pierreverdant celebrating their first home run.
The Pierrevert “Green Rock” club is currently recruiting for a mixed team starting at age eight. Training takes place at the Pierrevert stadium on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, contact Denis BARKAT at 06 51 29 75 01.
